As we mentioned in the previous article menstruation is the shedding of the uterine lining. It is normal to the reproductive system of women and happens on a regular basis. Normal menstruation happens around 3 to 7 days. During the monthly menstrual cycle, female sex hormones prepare the uterus to support a pregnancy. If pregnancy happens, menstruation will be suspended until giving birth of a child, abortion, or miscarriage.
Otherwise the uterine lining sheds and menstrual blood, tissues, fluid and mucus leave the body through the vagina caused by natural reactions in the female reproductive system from low level of certain growth hormones. Dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation) means that women have periodic pain during or prior to, or after menstrual period in the lower abdomen.
1 Dond quai(Chinese angelica root)
Chinese angelica root or dong Quai has been used in Chinese medicine for women's health in treating menstrual cramps, regulating menstrual periods, and lessening menopausal symptoms. Study shows that dong quai can help to reduce pain, dilate blood vessels, and stimulate the relaxation of uterine muscles.
2. Peach kernel
Peach kernel besides helping to enhance blood circulation and remove toxins from our blood, it also helps in moistening the bowels and relieving constipation. It is most often used in treating dysmenorrhea due to pathological blockage in blood circulation and abdominal pain before and after menstruation.
3. Curcuma Root
Chinese doctors believe that menstrual cramps and pain are due to stagnation of the liver-qi and retention of blood stasis in the interior. Curcuma root has been used to relieve pain by promoting blood circulation, restoring depressed liver by invigorating the flow of qi, and clearing away heat in the blood and heart.
4. Corydalis tuber
Corydalis tuber contains powerful alkaloids that have been used in postpartum abdominal pain due to pathological blockage in blood circulation and depressed liver causing qi stagnation. It is an important Chinese herb that has been used for hundreds of years to help relieve almost any painful condition especially for menstrual cramps, and chest and abdominal pains.
5. Safflower
Safflower is one of the many Chinese medicines used to treat difficult and painful menstruation by promoting blood circulation, and by removing any blood blockage substance and regulating blood flow.
6. Nutgrass flatsedge Rhizome
Nutgrass flatsedge rhizome is a Chinese herb that is used to sooth and regulate liver qi promote blood circulation, regulate menstruation, and alleviate pain as well as irregular menstruation and dysmenorrhea.
7. Chuan Niu Xi (Cyathula Root)
Chuan Niu Xi is a liver and kidney tonic herb that has been used in Chinese medicine to strengthen blood circulation, stimulate menstrual discharge, and promote urination.
Kyle J. Norton